Mystery as Jets chief quits club

Reporter:

Staff reporter

Wednesday 17 October 2012 12:00

Cheshire Jets player coach James Hamilton has quit the club after just three games in charge.

Mystery surrounds the precise circumstances of Hamilton’s decision to leave after less than a month in the job but it is thought Hamilton handed in his resignation following a brief suspension after a verbal altercation at a junior basketball game.

After a positive start to the season’s campaign on the court, the decision come as a blow to fans who revere the American as a legend at the club, where he was the longest serving player.

“It’s so, so sad it has come to me having to leave the Jets and I do it with an extremely heavy heart,” said Hamilton, who was returning to the sport following a two year hiatus.

“I don’t want to go too deep into the issues surrounding my departure but what I will say is I have a moral code of conduct that I live my life by and I think that stepping down as coach of the Jets is the right thing to do by myself, my family and the fans.”

Hamilton, who was the surprise choice to replace John Lavery as coach at the beginning of the season, thanked fans for their support throughout his time with the Jets and signalled his intention to get back into basketball as soon as possible.

“While it is disappointing that I have been forced to do this, I want to thank the Jets fans for the love and support they have always shown me,” said Hamilton.

“Their loyalty and kindness to me makes it even harder to leave but it is something I just have to do.

“As one door closes, another opens and I will be looking to get back into the sport I love as soon as I can.”